Category Archives: U12 Boys reports

We were due a wet mini hockey tournament at Magpies one day soon and sadly it arrived today as soon as the first whistle was blown. Although the rain and wind did take the edge off the day I hope none of you, players, managers, umpires, helpers and parents are announcing your retirement from the sport based on today’s experience! It was a bit of a shocker but I was really impressed with everyone’s efforts whatever part you played. Well done and thank you.

Between the rain, guest of wind and driving rain there was some good hockey played, signs of improvement all round and even at times signs of enjoyment out on the pitch. For those interested I have listed below the final positions in each competition (scoring was based on 3 pts for a win, 2 pts for a score draw and 1 pt for a 0-0 draw). Congratulations girls, some fine results and well done boys – we have never fielded three U12 teams in a weekend and with a bit of doubling up you looked competitive in all your matches and there is no doubt the U10s are improving and get very close to winning some matches. The final positions were:

Boys U10s

1st Norwich dragons

2nd Norwich City

3rd Harleston Magpies

Boys U12s

1st Norwich City Saxons

Joint 2nd – Magpies Stripes and Norwich City Vikings

4th Norwich Dragons

5th Magpies Red

Girls U10 Gold

1st Norwich City Yellow

2nd Magpies White

3rd Green Dragons

4th Norwich City Green

Girls U10 Silver

1st Norwich City Pink

2nd Red Dragons

3rd Magpies Red

4th Norwich City Orange

Girls U12 Gold

1st Magpies Red

2nd Norwich City Lions

3rd Norwich Dragons

Girls U12 Silver

1st Magpies White

2nd Magpies Blue

3rd Norwich Dragons

4th Norwich City Tigers

Thanks again for all coming down to Magpies this morning and enduring the weather. I look forward to seeing back at training and preparing for our next tournament at Dereham on Sunday 19th March. Hopefully the Sun will be shining for this

one.

If today has inspired you to get more involved with the youth project at Harleston Magpies, whether this be on a coaching front, organisational in terms of events, youth committee involvement, fund raising initiatives please get in touch. We are always looking for help and open to offers and new ideas. The more helpers we can muster the more we can achieve for girls and boy in our community”

HMHC MINIS SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2017 and Minis at Pelicans and HMHC on Sunday 5 March 2017

18 teams from Magpies, Felixstowe, Watton and IES at U10 and U12 ages took to the pitches at Magpies this morning and after 2 and a half hours of good fun hockey, in the sun at times, Felixstowe B topped the Girls’ U10 league with four wins from four, Magpies Red took the Girls’ U12 league title, again with an unbeaten record and without conceding a goal.

Magpies’ U12 Boys’ teams

As for the Boys IES were unbeaten and topped the U12 league although having scored 13 goals against Felixstowe A, Felixstowe B and Watton they failed to get past the two Magpies’ team in this tournament.

Magpies’ U10 Boys’ teams

Good defending lads. As for the U10s, Richard Larkin’s boys are showing signs of real progress with Magpies Black taking the league title although Magpies White did not let them have it all their own way defeating them 1-0 in their opening meeting.

A real team effort from our band of team managers, catering experts and our young and experienced umpires as a result of which our guests for the day have already said what a great time they had:

“It was a wonderful tournament, pitched just at the right level with the usual HM organisation and family feel to it, and we loved it!” Felixstowe Hockey Club

Needless to say they would love to come back for more. On behalf of the youth committee and wider club please accept our thanks to all those who contributed in making this such a good fun morning.

However, the mini Hockey does not stop there and next weekend, Sunday 5th March our ‘A’ teams in each age group will be representing the Club at the Norfolk Championships at Pelicans HC. Good luck squads. Meanwhile the rest of the youth section will get an opportunity for another round of matches at Magpies with Norwich City and Norwich Dragons coming to visit. With our resources stretched with teams in two locations any help club members or parents can offer will be appreciated and needed – umpiring, kitchen duties, team management or tournament organising will be appreciated please let James or Nick know if you can help in any way ssmith091@btinternet.com or nickmcallen@hotmail.com

With much excitement Magpies’ U12s set off to the Nottingham Hockey Centre bright and early to pit their skills against the country’s best U12s. With confidence high after the team’s East triumph and some successful additional training sessions nerves began, both on and off the pitch, to show when the whistle went for the first match.

On a lively pitch Stourport’s direct hockey style caught Magpies napping and despite having good periods of possession Stourport forced the ball past the Magpies defence to score twice before half time. Oli Mayhew nearly pulled goal back but a fine save from the Stourport keeper kept Magpies at bay and soon after Magpies were very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty flick when a Stourport defender’s stick tackle prevented a certain goal. The second half saw Magpies turn on the pressure and deservedly get a goal when Oli Currie popped an early ball through to Oli Mayhew who rounded the keeper to set up a tense last few minutes. However with the seconds ticking away an equaliser just could not be found.

Following a debrief and a round of biscuits from the Herschel-Shorlands the team set about the task of beating Cheltenham, the West champions. In the first few minutes it became apparent what a challenging day it was going to be against a disciplined and organised team playing some flowing hockey. Magpies were getting overrun and disappointing as it may have been for the team Cheltenham deservedly took the lead and added a second before half time. However at 2 – 0 down Magpies fought back but could not collectively find a way round the Cheltenham defence.

Another debrief and this time a round of sausage rolls from the Brice family inspired the team and against Brooklands, the North Champions, Magpies looked a real threat but despite four short corners in the first half they couldn’t find the net and to rub salt into the wounds against the run of play Brooklands scored just before the break and then added a second after half time.

With energy levels at a low level it was time for cheesy chips, a round of Magpies themed cup cakes and the official team photo shoot. None of this could hide the fact that Magpies were about to take on the strongest team in their group, Surbiton, and despite the hard work of all in the team Surbiton were just two strong turning a 1-0 lead at half time into a 4- 0 win.

The strength of Surbiton’s youth section shows that despite the giant steps forward Magpies have made with their boys hockey this year there is still a lot more work to be done. At this point we reminded ourselves that some of the team only started playing at the club at the start of the season after taking part in last summer’s taster sessions, a real success story for our coaches Matt Brand, Blake Elliot and, of course, Richard Larkin and their assistants.

The above results meant a 9th and 10th placing game to end the day for the team, interestingly against the East runners-up Old Loughtonians. Again Old Loughts took the lead and again just before the final whistle Magpies struck the perfect short corner but Old Loughts were prepared this time and the defender on the line deflected the ball wide of the post.

The team of Archbishop Sancroft (3), Thomas Mills (2), Pulham Primary, Hartismere, St Felix, Langley and Brandeston pupils did the club proud and although I am sure that personally they will all be a bit disappointed with the results over the day they all showed a lot of promise and character and after a summer of relaxation will come back stronger as a result of this experience.

Finally, thanks must go to Mark Emms for his management of the team over the season, Dan Mayhew for his first aid prowess on the side lines…..no one dared get injured and, of course, Richard Larkin team coach and Mr Motivator.

On a cloudy wet morning Magpies U12’s boys started the day knowing they were carrying the title of ‘underdogs’ in a challenging half of the draw including Cambridge, St Albans, IES and Old Loughtonians. The first game was against Cambridge and it was fairly evenly contested affair, ending in a 0-0 draw. Not much to report other than the team had made a confident start and didn’t look out of place having managed to trouble Cambridge and threaten on a few occasions.

Magpies immediately turned round for their second game against St Albans. With confidence gained from their all-round performance against Cambridge, Pies were soon getting on top of a weaker St Albans. After two earlier short corners Captain Ed Brice found his range and converted his third to give the home side a deserved 1-0 half time lead, which could have been more but for the excellent work by the St Albans keeper. In the second half Magpies managed to score a second courtesy of Oli Mayhew breaking away and jinking round the keeper to slot home. Final score 2-0 Magpies. Whilst the lads had left a few more goals out on the pitch the management team of Larkin, Emms and Robertson would have taken 4 points from 2 games before the start of the day, and took the lads confidently into a break between games.

Game 3 was another big game against Old Loughtonians and this was much like the opening game against Cambridge. The home side were working hard, keeping good shape with Freddie Herschel-Shorland controlling midfield, Oli Mayhew working up front to cut out the pass, Ed Brice and Elliot Cooper keeping any Old Lought’s breakaways under control in defence. Elliot Chapman in goal was starting to make some great saves, controlling his D and didn’t look like he intended to start conceding any time soon. Magpies were starting to roll on subs, Bruce Daniels playing solidly at the back and Ben Waters making an impact on the right wing by driving into the D. The game finished 0-0 and with 5 points from a possible 9 and no goals conceded Pies went into another break and chance to talk about what was going well.

Magpies started their last group game against IES knowing that with a lack of goals so far a draw was unlikely to be enough to progress, and a win was required to move into the semi-

finals. Pies wasted no time and went on the attack from the start, Mayhew soon latching onto a through pass from FH-S and slotting into the corner. IES were given no chance to regroup and good work down the wing from Oli Currie led to Mayhew quickly making the score 2-0. Just before half time Sam Emms joined in picking up on another FH-S pass to dribble round two defenders and round the IES keeper to make it 3-0 at half time. In the second half Matty Nesling quickly made an impact up-front latching onto another FH-S through pass to drive into the D, and thread a nice goal past the IES keeper. The game finished 4-0 and Magpies went into a long break excited by managing to escape their group.

Magpies lined up against a confident Blue Hornets team in the semi-final. A tough assignment ahead as Hornets hadn’t lost a game or conceded a goal on their way to amassing a massive plus goal difference in their group. Pies started confidently and were competing well one to one, soon forcing a short corner which alerted Hornets into knowing this would be a contest. However this just served to sting the Hornets into life and they quickly fought back and scored a breakaway goal to make the score 1-0. Pies didn’t buckle and immediately took control from the push back with FH-S, Brice and Emms soon moving the ball to Mayhew who calmly levelled to make the score 1-1 and send the home crowd wild. On the half time bell Hornets won a short corner, which was clinically converted to knock Pies back to 2-1 down at half time.

After a rallying team talk Pies began their fight back and after continuous pressure won a short corner. Brice’s strike was saved and after some tortuous rebounds Sam Emms nipped in to ‘nutmeg’ the keeper bringing it level at 2-2 and once again sending the home crowd to another level! Hornets continued to push for a winner but Chapman was not going to be beaten again, leaping high to his left to palm a great effort over the crossbar. Pies pulled together and dug deep to hang on for the final 2 mins to keep the final score 2-2 and take it to the dreaded penalty flicks.

Emms bravely stepped up for flick 1, but the GK guessed right and made a good save. Hornets first flick was low in the bottom corner but Chapman almost reached it, 0-1. Captain Brice then stepped up for flick 2 and scored, 1-1. Chapman guessed right for Hornets second flick and kept Pies in it with a great save, still 1-1. Mayhew stepped up for flick 3 and confidently found the corner, Pies 2-1. The pressure was now back on Hornets with their last flick to level it, again Chapman saved, Pies win 2-1, cue crowd and pitch celebrations young and old and into the final!

After a break and coming to terms with knowing they had now qualified for the national finals the team took to the pitch for the final which was back against Old Loughtonians. The emotion of the semi had taken its toll and the boys struggled to keep in the game in the first half, conceding a good goal midway through and going into half time 1-0 down. After a positive team talk and knowing they had nothing to lose the team regained possession and territory in the second half. A number of chances being narrowly missed it looked like a runners up spot would be a great reward for an excellent tournament. However after a final push FH-S played Emms into the D who realising he couldn’t score and calmly upgraded to a short corner, and then the final bell went. The whole team pushed up for the last play of the game, Emms injecting smoothly to Brice who one touched into the D and crashed the bottom corner to level at 2-2 and take the game to penalty flicks (again!). Cue massive celebrations and more confident Magpies having faced this in the semi.

Chapman was straight into goal to face flick 1 which he quickly saved. Brice stepped up to take flick 2 and calmly dispatched into the corner, Pies 1-0. Lought’s faced Chapman again for flick 3, same result saved! Mayhew now stepped forward for what was only flick 4 and a possible chance of winning the game. His shot went straight at the keeper and somehow through his legs! Magpies 2-0 WIN, cue wild celebrations throughout the club! (Sincere commiserations to Old Loughtonians who played the game in a great spirit and came a narrow second).

The boys will now go onto the national finals in Nottingham (Beeston HC) on 14th May together with Old Loughtonians to represent the Eastern region.

Thanks to many including inspirational coaching today by Larky, encouragement from Jack, Monday night coaching from Matt, Blake, Bardy, Dolly et Al, and all the volunteers at the club who have made this weekend possible by giving up their free time and energy.

15 teams from across Norfolk converged on Magpies for the first Boys’ mini tournament of the season.

In the U10s Magpies were able to field two teams but both found the day tough going against some strong Norwich Dragons and Norwich City teams. Magpies ‘A’ finished a good third with Magpies ‘B’, fielding a young team, a very credible 5th with William Menzies’ goal bonus securing him 50p.

The tournament was won by Norwich Dragons ‘A’ who were unbeaten all day scoring an impressive 19 goals in their 6 matches conceding none thereby staking an early claim for Norfolk champions later in the season. Norwich City ‘A’ were runners up.

In the U12s Dragons continued their dominance with another win with only Dereham able to find a way round their strong defence although with Dereham coming a cropper against Magpies ‘A’ and Norwich City ‘B’ they were only able to finish the tournament as runners-up to Dragons.

Magpies were again able to field two teams and with a bit more work at training I am sure they can improve on their 4th and 7th positions.

Finally special mention needs to be made of our young umpires, Holly Riches, Isobella Slade, Jude Pottruff, Ollie Hall, Graham Mobbs, Jake Sewell, Seth Read and Louis Calvert. Impressive debuts to umpiring were made by all and with the support of a number of senior umpires who gave up half a day, or in the case of James Webster the whole day, I am sure they have learnt a lot. My thanks go to all the umpires to all the other club members who helped with running the tournaments.

Magpies had progressed to the East Minis tournament as Norfolk champions and were very hopeful of doing enough to qualify for the national finals despite this being the first regional tournament for many of the players.

The tournament started very strongly for Magpies as an adrenalin fuelled side faced Blueharts. Showing great energy all over the pitch, it was not long before Magpies took the lead from a powerful Jude Pottruff strike. The momentum was carried through to help score a much needed second goal, and the match was seen out defensively for a 2-0 win and a superb start.

Magpies continued playing with high energy levels in a thrilling second match against Old Loughtonians. Magpies worked very hard to come back from being 1-0 and 2-1 behind to win the match 3-2. The pick of the goals came from great defensive work by Tom Caston, who then followed up his effort with a powerful and accurate length of the pitch pass to set up Jude Pottruff to finish past the opposition keeper, much to the delight of all the players and supporters.

After this tense encounter, the Magpies parents were pleased to see two early goals scored against Ipswich and East Suffolk to help ease the tension. After that, Magpies controlled the game well, with Ollie Hall and Ed Brice in defence dealing well with the forward play of the opposition. James Webster continued to make probing runs forward, but no more goals could be scored by either team meaning that the match deservedly finished in favour of Magpies.

The final group game saw the two strongest sides in the group face each other- Magpies and Cambridge City. Cambridge City started strongly, imposing themselves on the game early on, but the Magpies defence held firm, with Elliott Chapman in goal giving another standout performance. Magpies managed to score in the first half with a well taken goal, but this only encouraged Cambridge to commit more players forward and apply even more pressure. However, despite conceding multiple short corners, the Magpies defence limited the number of open play chances and more solid goalkeeping kept the final score at 1-0 to Magpies.

Magpies had progressed as group winners into the fourth hour of the tournament to play Saffron Walden in the semi finals, which would see the winners also secure qualification to the national finals. Magpies had the first chance of the match but failed to convert as the ball flashed across goal. Saffron Walden then took their opportunity and went 1-0 up. This goal appeared to shake Magpies slightly, and Saffron Walden pushed on to score a second. Magpies weathered the rest of the storm, with Elliott Chapman again keeping the team in the match with some great saves. Magpies came back into the game in the second half but after a long tournament didn’t quite have the extra energy need to convert their forward play into goals. This meant that Magpies lost 2-0 and went into the 3rd place play-off.

After the disappointment of losing out on the chance of playing in the national finals, Magpies showed great character to recompose themselves for the play-off match. A fairly even game against Bury St Edmunds finished 1-1 at full time meaning that penalty strokes would decide the winner. A good save from each goalkeeper and a high, powerful flick from James Webster meant that the scores were 1-1 going into the third and final pair of penalties. Captain Ollie Hall stepped forward and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with a deceptive flick into the right sideboard, this meant that when Elliott Chapman fittingly saved the Bury St Edmunds final effort, Magpies came away as 2-1 winners to secure 3rd place in the tournament.

The U12 boys team this season has proved themselves to be a very talented and competitive side and can take a lot of encouragement about how hard they worked and how well they played in this tournament. Hopefully the experience of playing at regional level will have taught the team a lot about the highs and lows of tournament hockey and that they will use this as a springboard for even greater success in the future.

Harleston Magpies hosted their annual Mini Tournament on Sunday with 16 Girls teams competing in the morning. As this was the first Tournament of the season a lot of young players were experiencing their first taste of Tournament hockey and hopefully they enjoyed it.

Norwich City A won the U10 Girls Tournament with the same number of points as Magpies A but their superior goal difference pushed Magpies into 2nd place. Magpies B team came a very creditable 4th.

The Magpies U12 Girls won their Tournament winning all their matches and beating Norwich City A 1-0 in a decisive match. Norwich City A finished runners up. Magpies B team finished 3rd losing only to the two top teams. A remarkable performance.

The Boys tournament started in the afternoon with a strong entry of 15 teams. Norwich City won the U10 Tournament winning all their matches with Dereham finishing as runners up. Magpies U10s started well but could not maintain it and finished 3rd. The U12s Tournament was won by Pelicans with Magpies A finishing second two points behind the winners. Magpies B finished in joint 7th place.

Many thanks to all the team managers, umpires, youth helpers, players, helpers in the kitchen. Special thanks to Helen Barber for time keeping and scoring all day as well as to Kirstin Cumming and Bex Potruff for all their back up administration. The medals were presented to the players by Chairman Murray Graham.

The U10’s won their first tournament of the season at Norwich City. They started with two 0-0 draws where they enjoyed lots of possession but just couldn’t apply the finishing touch. They then won the next two matches 2-0 against Norwich – Seth and Jude scoring the goals – and 1-0 against Pelicans with Alfie scoring the crucial goal. A promising start to the season with all the boys performing well, with some nice passing and resolute defending when necessary. The squad consisted of Edwards Friar (GK), Sam King, Jude Pottruff, Max Warde-Aldam, Alfie Burton, Oliver Mayhew, Todd Chapman & Seth Read.

U12 Boys

The U12’s also won the Norwich City tournament with a powerful display of hockey. They won 6 games out of 6 scoring an impressive 39 goals without conceding. Top scorers were Archie & Jolyon with 10 each closely followed by Kieran with 9. Cameron Woodcock showed his versatility playing in midfield and as a forward and scored 6 goals. The other scorers were Will Simpson with 3 and a fine goal from Max King. Freddie Dixon in goal made valuable contributions when called upon and both David Cadman & Will Donsworth put in strong displays. Overall, a very good performance with lots of good passing combined with individual skills, providing great entertainment for the Magpies supporters.

Magpies enjoyed a successful day at Greshams with the U10 boys finishing second an the U12 boys retaining the title they won last year.

The U10’s started slowly with a 0-0 draw against Pelicans before losing 3-0 to eventual winners Norwich City. They then beat Dereham 3-0 to finish second on goal-difference. The Norwich City team are a class act and were deserved champions but Magpies have improved massively since the start of the season and this result is reward for all their hard work at training.

Unfortunately, only the top team progresses to the next round of the tournament.

The U12’s started with a 5-0 win against a much-improved Dereham side. The score-line was a little flattering but Magpies were clinical in the circle. Next up were Norwich City and, in an end-to-end game, Magpies eventually won 7-4. A great game for the spectators but the coach was left with slightly frazzled nerves!

Magpies went into the final game determined to reverse their defeat to Pelicans from a few weeks ago but got of to a bad start conceding a goal from a very-well struck short-corner in the first couple of minutes. However, they dug deep and got a deserved equaliser from a short-corner. The remainder of the half was even but there were no further goals and the sides went in level at half-time. However, the second half was one-way traffic with captain Sol Barker outplaying his opponent to control midfield and Jolyon Summers and William Donsworth putting in commanding defensive performances. The whole team never stopped working for each other, scoring 3 times to run out 4-1 winners. Magpies now go on to play in the East Regional finals on 17th April.

Magpies B pushed most teams hard but failed to capitalise on lots of possession in the early games and maybe didn’t get as many wins as their performances warranted. They did manage two wins against Pelicans B 3-0 and Dragons 2-0. However, they pushed eventual winners Pelicans A all the way only losing to 2 very late goals having defended really well throughput the match.

Magpies A started confidently winning their first three games comfortably before being held to a 0-0 draw by the B team! The match of the day was against Pelican A’s and Magpies, despite not playing their best hockey, were unlucky to have a goal disallowed. With time running out they conceded their only goal of the tournament to go 1-0 down. Magpies continued to push but couldn’t find an equaliser. They quickly put the disappointment of this result behind them to win the remaining three games scoring 17 without conceding!

Magpies man of the tournament was Freddie Dixon, the B team goalkeeper, who made a number of great saves throughout the day having already played for the U10’s.

Magpies had a frustrating day at the regional finals on Saturday. They opened their account losing 3-1 to eventual winners Bury. Having soaked up early pressure, Magpies scored against the run of play when Matt Bensly latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. Magpies then started to settle down and should have extended their lead from a well worked short-corner. However, a defensive lapse allowed Bury to equalise just before half-time. The second half was also tight but, again, Magpies gifted Bury two goals and, despite late pressure could not find the back of the net again.

The second game was against Blue Hornets and Magpies knew a win was needed to keep them in with a chance for qualifying for the semi-finals. Magpies started well and went ahead after a great run and shot from Jolyon Summers. Magpies then dominated play but paid the price for failing to score from the many chances they created by conceding a soft goal just before half-time. Magpies started the second half in determined mood and were rewarded when Will Hall scored from a well struck short-corner. However, despite outplaying their opposition with seconds of the game remaining another defensive lapse saw Hornets equalise.

Magpies entered the final game knowing they needed to win convincingly against Louth to keep alive their semi-final place. Magpies finally started to play the hockey they are capable of and ran out very comfortable 4-1 winners. The quickly went 2-0 up with gaols from Matt Bensly & Tristan Hipper. Louth did pull one goal back jut before half-time but Matt & Tristan scored another goal each in the second half to complete the win.

Unfortunately, Magpies missed out on the semi-final place to Hornets by one-point. Magpies then played two more games to finish the competition in style. A scrappy 1-0 win against Luton, courtesy of another Will Hall goal and a comprehensive 5-0 win against Colchester. Goalscorers were Sol Barker, Jolyon, Tristan & Matt.

Despite the disappointment of not making the semi-final this was a good experience and most of the squad will be eligible at this age group next year.

Magpies started the 6-team round robin tournament slowly. Despite lots of possession, Magpies often tried to hit the ball too hard, all around the pitch, in the first half of their opening game against Old Loughtonians. Nerves quickly settled when Archie Winter scored early in the second half after a very good run and pin-point shot. However, Magpies couldn’t add further goals even though they played virtually the second period camped in the opposition half.

Second game up was against a skilful looking Ipswich team. The early exchanges looked like it was going to be a tight game but in a 3-minute spell Magpies took complete control of the game. Archie opened the scoring, Kieran Peters then thundered home a short corner before another great run from Archie left Will Simpson with a simple tap-in to make it 3-0. Magpies took their foot of the gas at the start of the second half and allowed Ipswich to score. However, the defensive unit of Oliver Scovell (goalkeeper), Will Donsworth and Sam McCluskey repelled all other attacks and with great running from Alex Kilbourn in midfield Magpies completed a 3-1 win.

In the next match Magpies faced Spalding who had narrowly lost their opening two games. It wasn’t long before Magpies took the lead from a cheeky reverse stick flick from Kieran and they were 2-0 by half-time when Archie scored again. Magpies dominated the second half and wrapped up a 4-0 win with further goals from Will Simpson and a fantastic short-corner by Will Donsworth.

Next up were Cambridge City, who had also won their first three games. A stunning opening spell saw Magpies score three times with goals for Archie, Kieran and Will Simpson. The game then became even for the rest of the first half with Oliver called on to make a couple of good clearances and good contributions from Cameron Woodcock and David Cadman. The second half saw Magpies play probably their best hockey of the tournament scoring 5 times. Great passing between Archie & Kieran saw both players complete hat-tricks and Will Simpson grab his second of the match. Final score 8-0 to Magpies.

The final game was against Broxbourne and Magpies started eagerly to try and maintain their 100% record. However, they were guilty of taking too many touches and good tackling from Broxbourne kept them at bay. Eventually, Magpies started to play more fluently and scored two goals, both from Archie to lead 2-0 at half-time. Now full of confidence it wasn’t long into the second half before it was 3-0 as Archie completed his hat-trick and then 4 more goals followed from Archie, Will Simpson, Cameron & Kieran. Final result 7-0 to Magpies, making Magpies East Region champions.

This was a fantastic team performance, especially given half the team have only been playing tournament hockey since March! A big mention should be made of our goalkeeper Oliver who stepped in at the last minute and Cameron Woodcock playing in his first tournament for Magpies.